June 28, 2019

When teeth whitening advertisements show that a bright set of teeth is the
epitome of looking happy and healthy, it’s no wonder why most people believe
that’s the case. After using a new teeth whitening toothpaste that works
wonders, you’re probably proud of yourself for getting stains off your smile
and looking camera ready all the time. While aesthetically your mouth may be
more pleasing aesthetically, it’s not necessarily healthier. Read on to learn
about the importance of oral health and how it’s not always directly related to
grin that looks good.

The Color of Your Teeth and Your Oral Health

There is a widely accepted medical myth about teeth color being linked to
oral health. In reality, these two factors aren’t always directly related. The
color of your teeth can be altered by things that are out of your control such
as genes, age, medication side effects. So, just because you have a discolored
smile doesn’t always mean your oral health is bad. It could just be from eating
certain foods over time.

What Does The Color Of Your Teeth Mean?

As important as the way your smile looks is, it’s what’s inside your mouth
that’s vital. A smile that seems perfect in every way may be riddled with oral
health problems like gum disease and cavities. So, next time you see someone
who may have just gotten their teeth whitened, instead of being self-conscious
about your teeth, be happy they’re healthy!

Other people most likely won’t be able to visibly notice common oral health problems
like decay, worn enamel, or infections. Even though these have detrimental
impacts on your mouth, they’re typically not reflected in the color of your
teeth. So that whitened smile you just saw could need a little help even though
it’s aesthetically pleasing.

In fact, some stained teeth can be because of deposits of calcium,
phosphate, and various iron and copper compounds. These are actually found to
prevent tooth decay and further discoloration. So, even though they may look
like a product of bad oral health, they’re actually the opposite!

How Can You Get a Bright and Healthy Smile?

While tooth color may seem to make or break your confidence in social
situations, whitened teeth don’t mean that your smile will be long-lasting.
Developing a good oral
hygiene routine that wards away problems that can cause your teeth to decay
over time is the best way to keep your health in tip-top shape. In the long
run, your dentist will agree, a healthy set of chompers is more beneficial than
a good-looking set. Not to mention, maintaining good oral hygiene can also
improve the color of your teeth.

No matter what, remember that looks aren’t everything, and nothing should
stop you from showing off your healthy smile. Putting hard work into
your mouth is something worth being proud of, so let it show!

About the Author

Dr. Matthew Nawrocki has completed two residencies to advance his skill and
expertise in prosthodontics, or the branch of dentistry that restores and
replaces teeth . He is dedicated to giving each of his patients individualized
and high-quality care they can trust in. He is also an active member of
multiple professional organizations so he can keep up to date with the latest
advancements in his field. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit
his website or
contact 904-272-1588.